Girl on log - The Stand Up Paddleboard as a bushcraft tool.

[susannewilliams]

Last year I got into Stand Up Paddleboarding. What a great great method for bushcraft. Light. Completely uninvasive. Carries more than enough gear for bushcrafting.

Really fits with the bushcraft feeling of direct contact with nature.

Do any of you use a SUP for your expeditions?

This is a little video of the mood of an SUP on an alpine lake. (With Native American Flute - man I love that flute)

(I did an overnighter on the island)


http://youtu.be/F4m3pb9mrqo

[surplus 6]

that looks good

[Tommy]

Paddleboards belong at resorts not in the back country.:rolleyes:

There is so such wrong with this idea, I don't know where to begin. :confused:

[Fraxinus]

Nice one Susanne, a pic of your boards set up would be interesting.
Wavecloud (Dave) who runs http://ukpaddlesports.freeforums.org/ does lots of trips and over-nighters on his SUP even sea crossings in the Scottish Islands. Might be of interest to you.
I use an Ally pack canoe (in my avatar) or my Perception sea kayak for trips and mix a bit of bushcraft into them when I can. They are both great for getting close to wildlife who would normally shy clear of man but the boats seem to reduce the threat risk for them.

Rob.

[beermaker]

paddleboard looks great :) much more compact than my sailing boat, would be ideal for covert camping! Quite fancied a sailing canoe too :)

[Tommy]

Anyone using a paddleboard on my last trip would have drowned.

I prefer to bushcraft in the wilderness not on the French Riviera.

[Silverback]

Must admit I'm more at home in a canoe

[OakAshandThorn]

I've never used a paddleboard, but I am shocked at how much they can cost in the US, even compared to a canoe. I've seen some start at $800 and go upwards of $1500, whereas you can get yourself a decent Old Town for around $500. Never understood why they can be so expensive: it's just a simple raft made of fibreglass or composite materials. :confused2:

[beermaker]

I've always fancied having a sailing canoe ever since I saw a few chaps camping with them at Coniston. I love my GP14 to pieces but sadly not rejoined Kielder club this year as couldn't justify the expense and can't sail it on the Tees as the bridges are too low for my mast! I've toyed with the idea of launching on the North Sea but I don't fancy the odds of my trailer being there when I get back!

[Realearner]

Again would like to see the set up. Me I think I will stick with my canoe, like sitting down to much, and it carries loads of gear, Mmmmm comfort.
But don't get me wrong it looks really spectacular. Must try and get my video sorted out and then try and post some bad footage, but I'm not to good at the techie bit :ashamed:

[Tommy]

I've never used a paddleboard, but I am shocked at how much they can cost in the US, even compared to a canoe. I've seen some start at $800 and go upwards of $1500, whereas you can get yourself a decent Old Town for around $500. Never understood why they can be so expensive: it's just a simple raft made of fibreglass or composite materials. :confused2:Aren’t paddle boards in vogue right now? Any fad will have the price jacked.

[Tommy]

I love my GP14 to pieces
The GP14 is a great boat. I wish I had one.

[beermaker]

It's the best boat I've ever owned :) really stable and easy to handle, takes the weather well (I've had her in a force 6 squall which came out of nowhere and 6' swell and she took it in her stride) points well to windward and bags of room inside for stowage. I used to have a 1956 mahogany one but had to sell her as she was too elderly for racing. I've got a fibreglass one now and really pleased with her. I think for an all-rounder boat, she's right up there with the Wayfarer. It's just a shame my local authority have made all the damned bridges so low!

[Tommy]

It's the best boat I've ever owned :) really stable and easy to handle, takes the weather well (I've had her in a force 6 squall which came out of nowhere and 6' swell and she took it in her stride) points well to windward and bags of room inside for stowage. I used to have a 1956 mahogany one but had to sell her as she was too elderly for racing. I've got a fibreglass one now and really pleased with her. I think for an all-rounder boat, she's right up there with the Wayfarer. It's just a shame my local authority have made all the damned bridges so low!Too bad about the bridges. Going to an uninhabited island in the north sea would be awesome though. Steal your trailer! Really, WTF those &#@ thieves.

[OakAshandThorn]

Aren’t paddle boards in vogue right now? Any fad will have the price jacked.
They are, indeed. All the outdoor rec stores are stuffed with them, and some people will gladly hand over $1500 for a Boardworks Raven. I can't be sure, but I imagine they're much cheaper in Europe.

[beermaker]

Sadly, yeah. If you locked it up they'd pinch the b**dy locks too! Might have to chance it though, i've sailed on the north sea a few times, its fantastic! My friend took me on her yacht for my birthday a couple of years ago and we night sailed up to Tynemouth from hartlepool, great times! Might trailer the boat up the coast and sail over to the farne islands.

I sailed a few years ago on coniston to "wild cat island" from Swallows and Amazons, was great sailing into the secret harbour and exploring :)

[Tommy]

@ beermaker

There is something about being on water. I get a really good feeling, different from being in the forest, but just as good.

[beermaker]

Definitely, I love being on the water, whether its racing, cruising, powerboating or paddling. Sail is definitely my favourite though, can't get enough of it!

[Rasputin]

I've always fancied having a sailing canoe ever since I saw a few chaps camping with them at Coniston. I love my GP14 to pieces but sadly not rejoined Kielder club this year as couldn't justify the expense and can't sail it on the Tees as the bridges are too low for my mast! I've toyed with the idea of launching on the North Sea but I don't fancy the odds of my trailer being there when I get back!

The GP 14 is a fab little sail boat and very safe, I'me looking at buying a heavenly twins in the next few weeks (cost an arm & a leg ) but you cant take it with you ! , Thas no pockets in shrouds as my old man used to say

[Rasputin]

@ beermaker

There is something about being on water. I get a really good feeling, different from being in the forest, but just as good.

Aint it great when you can combine your 2 fave passions on the same trip, :cool:

[Tommy]

Aint it great when you can combine your 2 fave passions on the same trip, :cool:Ain’t that the truth brother.

[susannewilliams]

Paddleboards belong at resorts not in the back country.:rolleyes:

There is so such wrong with this idea, I don't know where to begin. :confused:

Could you say some more about that? Some very serious expeditions have been done on SUPs of late.

Thanks

S

[susannewilliams]

I like to sail, paddle (sea & whitewater), dive, swim. All things water really.

:jumping-joy:

[Tommy]

Could you say some more about that? Some very serious expeditions have been done on SUPs of late.

Thanks

S

"very serious expeditions" post link please and thanks

[susannewilliams]

Alaska
http://vimeo.com/m/70593898

Missouri
https://vimeo.com/70955432

Greenland
http://www.explorersweb.com/polar/news.php?url=greenland-stand-up-paddle-expedition_1375281606

Alaska Inside Passage
http://www.supthemag.com/photos/sup-expedition-the-inside-passage/

Ocean crossing Key West
http://supconnect.mylocallineup.com/SUP-Other/campaign-sup-expedition-and-organ-and-tissue-donation.html

Haida Gwaii - Vancouver
http://blog.quiksilver.com/waterman/norman-hann-mountain-surf-adventures/

300 mile ocean crossing
http://www.supthemag.com/2011-sup-awards/vote/top-expedition/

Various from Bart Zwart
http://www.supracer.com/bart-de-zwart-arctic-crossing/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=bart-de-zwart-arctic-crossing

4 longest rivers of Australia
http://www.wernerpaddlesblog.com/blog/2012/05/australian-sup-river-expedition-.html

[Tommy]

@ susannewilliams

You and I have a different idea on what makes for a “very serious expedition”. I was thinking of scientists studying jellyfish or something. You posted links to adventure tourism.

[susannewilliams]

Oh yeah, and the Yukon. White horse to Dawson creek. 700km

http://www.trainharder.com/2011/09/19/bc-woman-becomes-1st-to-stand-up-paddleboard-700k-yukon-river-from-whitehorse-to-dawson-creek/

[susannewilliams]

@ susannewilliams

You and I have a different idea on what makes for a “very serious expedition”. I was thinking of scientists studying jellyfish or something. You posted links to adventure tourism.

I see. Well, I will see what scientific expeditions I can find.

Could you in the meantime elaborate on your comments that SUP have no place in backcountry and are only for resorts?

Thanks

S

[susannewilliams]

Though I am still not sure what the purpose of an expedition says about the back country suitability of SUPs, here are some Scientific SUP expeditions

Amazon
http://www.entropika.org/en/supamazon.html

Mother Ocean Scientific Expedition
http://www.motherocean.org/xf500.html

[Tommy]

Though I am still not sure what the purpose of an expedition says about the back country suitability of SUPs, here are some Scientific SUP expeditions

Amazon
http://www.entropika.org/en/supamazon.html

Mother Ocean Scientific Expedition
http://www.motherocean.org/xf500.htmlLOL those aren’t scientific expeditions.

[Tommy]

If one day, while in the wilderness I see a Indian on a paddleboard, that will be the day that I take up paddleboarding, until then I'm sticking with my canoe.

BTW I paddle like an Indian (I try). All you white folk can keep your “J” stroke. :D

[Rasputin]

If one day, while in the wilderness I see a Indian on a paddleboard, that will be the day that I take up paddleboarding, until then I'm sticking with my canoe.

BTW I paddle like an Indian (I try). All you white folk can keep your “J” stroke. :D
lol, :happy-clapping:

[Realearner]

A bone of contention here, me I would not like it standing up and all that, hence my earlier comment. But each to there own, and me I will stick to my canoe and maybe one day our paths will cross on the water :)

[susannewilliams]

Well Tommy, I think that Reinhold Messner, Mike Horn, Thor Heyerdahl, Chris Bonnington, and many others would have a different view on what an expedition actually is, and your view on what is science would also appear to be...let's say...subjective....

Looking at some of your previous posts however, you do seem to be an unassailable authority on any topic that you care to make assertions about, so best not to press the point I guess.

Funny man, awesome. I do hope you are enjoying yourself out there.

Since you appear unwilling or unable to actually contribute to the discussion, or substantiate any of your sweeping generalizations, I'm sure you won't mind if we move on, and come back to the actual point.

:rock-on:

[susannewilliams]

There is no question - Canoe / Kayak / Raft are all tried and tested methods of wilderness travel. No discussion of which is better or worse. No contention.

We've seen that SUPs are certainly capable of navigating wilderness environments.

The question was whether any of us use Stand Up Paddleboard for Bushcraft Travel and what our experiences are....

[Fraxinus]

Paddle boards are definitely getting a lot of good press at the moment and are certainly capable craft.
Last summer two guys travelled the south coast of England on them and are planning the first trans-atlantic crossing :shocked:

If I had one I'd use it for bushy trips, particularly one of those inflatable ones....portages would be so easy ;)

Rob

[susannewilliams]

What is very interesting is to have a look at the history of standing up boards, stand up canoeing and poling rafts --> both of which can be seen as precursors to the modern SUP and can be found all over the world amongst many different indigenous peoples..

Seminole Indians
http://e-humanity.org/artifact.php?artifact_id=52755

The Mokoro of the Okawango Delta
http://www.superstock.com/stock-photos-images/1848-49928
http://www.superstock.com/stock-photos-images/1850-4370

Historical American - 1800s
http://paddlemaking.blogspot.de/2013/02/historic-paddle-art-indian-canoe-race.html
http://www.kankakeevalleyhistoricalsociety.org/Pictures/poling_the_river_sm-edge.jpg

Even on the Congo
http://www.wwnorton.com/college/english/nael/20century/topic_1/illustrations/impoling.htm

Hasake is a board-boat hybrid of the Stand-up Paddle (SUP) Board family, with alleged Israeli and Arabic roots, possibly dating back to as far as the 8th century A.D.
http://supconnect.mylocallineup.com/SUP-History-Background/hasake-the-israeli-and-arabic-sup-board.html

History in Ancient Rome, Polynesia, Peru
http://www.examiner.com/article/the-history-of-stand-up-paddle-boarding-dates-back-to-at-least-7000-bc

[Fraxinus]

Or as Ray Mears saw in Siberia with the Evenk peoples, a rudimentary form of SUP that has been in use for generations. (starts approx 3mins in)


http://youtu.be/27x3VgpE0QU?t=3m3s

These people survive using bushcraft skills daily.:)

Rob.

[susannewilliams]

Paddle boards are definitely getting a lot of good press at the moment and are certainly capable craft.
Last summer two guys travelled the south coast of England on them and are planning the first trans-atlantic crossing :shocked:

If I had one I'd use it for bushy trips, particularly one of those inflatable ones....portages would be so easy ;)

Rob

Yeah I think the portable ones are the way to go. Also pretty indestructible..

Very comfy for lying on overnight too btw...

[susannewilliams]

Or as Ray Mears saw in Siberia with the Evenk peoples, a rudimentary form of SUP that has been in use for generations.


http://youtu.be/27x3VgpE0QU?t=3m3s

These people survive using bushcraft skills daily.:)

Rob.

Ah awesome clip. I had not seen that...

[Rasputin]

Or as Ray Mears saw in Siberia with the Evenk peoples, a rudimentary form of SUP that has been in use for generations. (starts approx 3mins in)


http://youtu.be/27x3VgpE0QU?t=3m3s

These people survive using bushcraft skills daily.:)

Rob.

Did I just see Uncle Ray use a MATCH....good on him, too many peeps out in bushland frown when you dont use an F&S. Back on topic, theres a latin phrase that pops to mind ( di gustibus non est disputandem ) and it is very true. I prefer a canadien canoe to what is essetially a raft, as do I prefer a catarmaran to a monohull, to me its about stability. And a stable platform to work from ( in my eyes ) (and once again I quote :- di gustibus non est disputandem ) is always a better option unless you are just seeking thrills. And it roughly translates as... In matters of taste, there are no disputes

[beermaker]

Did I just see Uncle Ray use a MATCH....

WITCHCRAFT!!!! BURN HIM!! BURN THE HERETIC!!! ;)

I'm quite proud to use matches, they were invented by a local lad up the road!

[beermaker]

In all seriousness though, and getting back on topic, I think you hit the nail right on the head there with that rather apt piece of Latin. I've sailed cats and multihulls and they're superbfor stability and speed but I still prefer a monohull for its manoeuvreability and nimble handling, and probably also just personal taste! :)

[Rasputin]

In all seriousness though, and getting back on topic, I think you hit the nail right on the head there with that rather apt piece of Latin. I've sailed cats and multihulls and they're superbfor stability and speed but I still prefer a monohull for its manoeuvreability and nimble handling, and probably also just personal taste! :)

Quite right ! when you sail in a monohull you have to decide which wall is the floor, pmsl just kidding, I choose a cat especially for the reason of space, very important on a cruiser and you can cover mostly twice the distance in a day, so on a long passage say to the Med you get there a lot quicker. Plus theres a lot of deck for fishing, ATB bro, Ken T^

[Rasputin]

WITCHCRAFT!!!! BURN HIM!! BURN THE HERETIC!!! ;)

I'm quite proud to use matches, they were invented by a local lad up the road!

End of the day you use other means if you have no lighter/match etc. Sure practice primative methods but evolution is here to stay, Ime certain my ancestors of circa 17th century would agree, Ken

[beermaker]

I had a go on Ross Hobsons ocean going cat Ideal Stelrad once, an amazing craft! A fair point about picking which part of the hull is the floor - I love it when you get the boat heeling over!

As for using matches, I always carry them, as well as a lighter, but I always try to use a fire steel first because I'm stubborn! It's always nice to know the "modern" methods are there as back up though! No point being the proudest bushcrafter in the graveyard!

[Rasputin]

I had a go on Ross Hobsons ocean going cat Ideal Stelrad once, an amazing craft! A fair point about picking which part of the hull is the floor - I love it when you get the boat heeling over!

As for using matches, I always carry them, as well as a lighter, but I always try to use a fire steel first because I'm stubborn! It's always nice to know the "modern" methods are there as back up though! No point being the proudest bushcrafter in the graveyard!

T^

[Realearner]

What is very interesting is to have a look at the history of standing up boards, stand up canoeing and poling rafts --> both of which can be seen as precursors to the modern SUP and can be found all over the world amongst many different indigenous peoples..

Seminole Indians
http://e-humanity.org/artifact.php?artifact_id=52755



The Mokoro of the Okawango Delta
http://www.superstock.com/stock-photos-images/1848-49928
http://www.superstock.com/stock-photos-images/1850-4370





Historical American - 1800s
http://paddlemaking.blogspot.de/2013/02/historic-paddle-art-indian-canoe-race.html
http://www.kankakeevalleyhistoricalsociety.org/Pictures/poling_the_river_sm-edge.jpg





Even on the Congo
http://www.wwnorton.com/college/english/nael/20century/topic_1/illustrations/impoling.htm

Hasake is a board-boat hybrid of the Stand-up Paddle (SUP) Board family, with alleged Israeli and Arabic roots, possibly
dating back to as far as the 8th century A.D
http://supconnect.mylocallineup.com/SUP-History-Background/hasake-the-israeli-and-arabic-sup-board.html

History in Ancient Rome, Polynesia, Peru
[url]http://www.examiner.com/article/the-history-of-stand-up-paddle-boarding-dates-back-to-at-least-7000-bc[/url


Got to say the girl does her research, don't mess with the girl. Far to inter web usage :jumping-joy:

[susannewilliams]

Got to say the girl does her research, don't mess with the girl. Far to inter web usage :jumping-joy:

Ah it's just a topic I'm really fascinated by... :p

[Tommy]

Looking at some of your previous posts however, you do seem to be an unassailable authority on any topic that you care to make assertions about, so best not to press the point I guess.

46 years of experience camping etc. in the Canadian wilderness makes me an expert on that. An authority, yes. Unassailable, no.

[Realearner]

Ah it's just a topic I'm really fascinated by... :p


One of many I would think. Would love to have a conversation about the many interests you have.

[susannewilliams]

46 years of experience camping etc. in the Canadian wilderness makes me an expert on that. An authority, yes. Unassailable, no.

Will you elucidate then?

You made the following statements:
Paddleboards belong at resorts not in the back country.
There is so such wrong with this idea, I don't know where to begin.

I presented evidence that paddleboards have proven very capable in the backcountry and have quite a long history of use in various setting.

I am seriously interested in your reasoning...perhaps you have some bad experience with them, or insights that have not yet been explored....

Up to now it's just been a discussion on definitions...

[susannewilliams]

One of many I would think. Would love to have a conversation about the many interests you have.

;)

I started wilderness related stuff when I was about 6 when my Dad first sent me into the woods on my own for an overnighter.
String, cup, pocket knife, plastic sheet, water bottle, matches.
(I am pretty sure he followed me... *grin*)


Since then I've developed several areas of interest


Forestcraft / Mountaineering
Ultra distance mountain running and other endurance sports - (which for me is just a synthesis of other skills)
Sailing / Diving / Paddlesports
SAR - Wilderness Emergency Medicine
Martial Arts
International business at a high level


But really I see them all as different expressions of a few basic competences.


When you have core skills you can apply them flexibly in all sorts of terrains (physical terrain, mental terrain, emotional terrain, social terrain, aesthetic terrain, even spiritual terrain)


Mental / emotional management skills

Direct perception
Grit, equanimity, creativity
Situational Awareness - (incl risk assessment / management)
Problem Solving / Improvisation
Nature engagement
Working with animals - horses / dogs
How to learn quickly and reliably - specific skills and methods for that




Physical capability

Skills to move over various kinds of terrain - run, climb, swim, ski, dive, ride, paddle, bike, motorised transport, boats, etc (still working on flyers)
Physical toughness
Capacity management
Breathing (Tactical breathing for management of your state, but also freediving for example. Hold my breath for 4:45min)
Healing
Qigong
A direct/shamanic interaction with things



Specific skills

Tool learning / management (hand tools, rigging/ropes, powertools, weapons, etc)
Machines
Weather management (Cold - routinely down to -50c, Heat - desert travel, Storms - ocean/mountain)
Terrain awareness and skills (sizing up landscape, route choice (mountains/forest/desert/rock), river reading, ocean/waves reading, avalanche assessment, etc)
Gear management
Navigation in various terrain
First Aid - Medicine (both core and specialised to terrain & activity: High Altitude, Drowning management, Hypothermia. Special medical challenges associated with endurance sports, firearms, blunt trauma in the mountains, etc)



and very importantly - LOVE - I actively cultivate a state of wonder, about everything. WOOOWWWW - look at THAT!


Love for the nature
Love for people - (compassion / leadership in stressful situations/wisdom of indigenous peoples)
Love for beauty - I am an aesthete. :)
Love for life and just an intense hunger for experience





We teach some of these skills in a series of workshops.

We take people into the Arctic, onto volcanic islands, sailing, diving, into caves, hunt them deep into the forest....but mostly deep into themselves. It is brilliant to see what happens to people as they discover themselves in the Wilderness/Adventure. Friends for life!

(Definition of Wilderness/Adventure - Where the outcome is not a given...)


The absolute mainstay of it all:

Just Notice!
...
And Express (Commuunicate...create...art...music...bonds....)
Make Nice-Nice...
and Yes, you need the friction
BTW - Enjoy the Ride

Haha

All you need:

Skillz
Napz
Hugz
Snax
Toyz



OK that was probably a bit more than expected...

Here's the site for our seminars:
http://www.lightningpath.co/gallery/level-5-void-arctic-adventures/
http://www.lightningpath.co/about/

This year I have been trying to get out to the UK but scheduling has been a bit of a bugger...

Still working on that...

Thanks for asking man...

S


Back to Basics - Heated Tarp Shelter Winter / Alps
http://youtu.be/AHSrhMhhCS8

Alpine Winter Hammock -- the solo girly bushcraft way...
http://youtu.be/IUPnxiXxAd8

Solo Alpine Winter Bushcraft - no tent, no sleeping bag, just skillz...
http://youtu.be/-8TxVTnxejA

Finnish fire Torch and Strawberries - warm socks all the way...
http://youtu.be/E_W-YSsRxI0

Freediving
http://youtu.be/1cDUimMcKuU

[Realearner]

Love for life and just an intense hunger for experience

Skillz
Napz
Hugz
Snax
Toyz

Well I see you have the toyz in all your video clips, as for the rest I will leave that to the imagination.
And looked at seminars and a bit beyond my price range, but look interesting :)
And yes what conversations there would be with that list, very deep on some subjects :D

[susannewilliams]

Love for life and just an intense hunger for experience

Skillz
Napz
Hugz
Snax
Toyz

Well I see you have the toyz in all your video clips, as for the rest I will leave that to the imagination.
And looked at seminars and a bit beyond my price range, but look interesting :)
And yes what conversations there would be with that list, very deep on some subjects :D

Haha yes. The toyz. Very broad interpretation, that one. Trees, water, rock, wind...all some type of toy to me. :-)

We talked before about getting over to do some hammock stuff. What if we pulled it much broader and just did a weekend smorgasbord.

Get a larger audience that could possibly be interested
Grab 10 topics from the list
Do a weekender

I still am having trouble scheduling but something in the late Summer / Autumn would give us all enough lead time.

I'll PM you with some suggestions

OK?